jean, you need to take a break

under a starlit sky

diluc had just woken up. he felt a thousand pains an aches all over his body but he wanted to make today work. he wanted it to stand out. he was going to do something so unexpected that it even surprised him

he got up and into his usual attire. he gathered all the maids and assured them they could have the day off. pretty soon he'd have the winery to himself for the day.. well, for a while

he was preparing for something big today, something that may change things between him and jean, at it was undetermined whether it'd be a good or bad change, but he felt ready for anything

he spent his day preparing the winery, making it clean and tidy for later on 

he wasn't the best at decorating but he put so much effort into making the mansion look cozy and home-like

once he had finished everything, he decided to visit jean

it was 2pm, she was hard at work and got an unusual knock at the door.

"come in" she said

he walked in, slightly confused as to why she was working when he specifically requested for her not to

"what are you doing? didn't i tell you not to work?" he asked

"oh, no need to worry master diluc. i have taken what you've said to me into mind and i am now going by a schedule which i made for myself as a guide to when i will be working" she assured him

"ah, i see. when do you finish?" he enquired

"in three hours, so 5pm to be exact. why? is there anything you need?"

"i was hoping you'd be free by then, there is a situation at the winery and i'd like you to take a look at this matter. don't worry it isn't urgent but i hope you'll be able to make it" he explained, trying his best not to give away his plans

"i can make it, i'll be there later okay? i need to focus on my work now. i hate to make you leave so soon" she said

"no worries. i'll see you there" he said as he left, he went back to the winery. he made sure to make everything perfect

with half an hour to spare he had successfully finished all preparations for her arrival. he then thought to himself about changing into something nicer

he decided to wear some less casual clothes, they almost looked like vampire attire. after all, he wanted to look his best

it had just turned 5pm. he was alarmed by a knock at the door. she was here. he opened the door and greeted her with a slight smile, which was unlike him, he let her in

"welcome, you're looking as gorgeous as ever" he said a little awkwardly yet genuinely

she blushed slightly, a tiny bit flustered she replied "aw thank you"

she was wearing the stunning short white flowy dress diluc bought for her on her birthday, he liked it a lot and so did she

"you're welcome"

"so what's the issue master diluc? you said earlier there was an issue at the winery" the blonde asked

"oh it's nothing, come with me" he said as he walked out the door, linking arms with her

he walked her to starsnatch cliff. they arrived just as it got slightly dark

"the view is really pretty.. i've never taken the time to admire it like this"

"you mean you never have the time to go outside unless someone forces you" he teased

"hey!" she said as she playfully punched him on the arm and smiled

"where was the lie though" he chuckled

the two laid down on the grass, watching the stars whilst conversing

"the stars are gorgeous" she said, admiring the beauty of the night sky

diluc had other ideas however, today was his chance

"so are you" he remarked

this comment caused jean to get all flustered and she was blushing but it was hard to tell from the darkness of the night

"diluc i- thank you" she replied in attempt to cover up her embarrassment

he was able to realise how she felt and he was glad she wasn't taking it as an odd and awkward comment. momentarily he was lost in his thoughts until a familiar voice brought him back to reality

"diluc?" she said, worried about him

"sorry, i was thinking about something. is there something you wanted to say?"

"well" she started "you've been on my mind a lot lately. you've been quite caring and clingy around me and i think that's sweet and all"

"mhm"

"i guess i wanted to say that... i've grown a liking towards you. i like you a lot" she admitted

they sat up as he pulled her in for a kiss

"i'm glad because that's exactly how i feel towards you" he smiled, something nobody ever got to see

instead of replying to him she rested her head on his shoulder and lightly kissed his neck, wrapping her arms around his waist

"so, we're official now right?" he asked

the blonde smiled and nodded "mhm, of course"

they walked back home shortly after this, both were tired and wanted to settle down and go home

it was now 8pm, the two were happier than ever. after a while, the two were sat on the couch together reading vera's melancholy and cuddling.

after an hour, a really tired diluc realised he was reading to himself as jean had fallen asleep not long ago. he didn't mind, he finally dropped the book and he fell asleep not long after. the two slept peacefully for the rest of the night